The Atherstone-born player served the club with distinction for 16 years after signing as a professional in 1950.

He was initially understudy to the great Gil Merrick, which restricted his appearances over a nine-year period, before becoming the number one.

Schofield won a Second Division Championship winners' medal in 1955 and was part of the pioneering European football sides which reached the Inter City Fair Cup finals of 1960 and 1961.

His finest moment came in 1963 when, showcasing fine reflexes and command in the air, he kept Villa at bay as Blues clinched their only piece of major silverware to date, the League Cup, with a 0-0 draw at Villa Park in the second leg of the final.

Schofield was a popular figure off the field and after joining Wrexham in 1966 he then drifted into non-league, which included spells playing for and managing his home town club.

Schofield, who made 237 appearances for Blues, fought gamely against illness during his last months.